In Years Past

July 9, 2014

In 1914, a very successful lawn social was given Wednesday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Lowe on Lowe Avenue at Sherman's Bay by the Ladies' Aid Society of the Lakewood M.E. Church for the benefit of the burned church. The lawn was prettily decorated for the occasion with Japanese lanterns, electric lights and flags. During the evening, ice cream and cake were served at tables placed upon the lawn underneath the evergreen trees. A fish pond was run during the evening and homemade candy was sold at a stand by the Epworth league of the church. During the evening, the South Side Orchestra of Jamestown, stationed on the verandah of the home, played pleasing music.

In 1939, Dr. George E. Vincent, honorary president of Chautauqua Institution, asked for a continuation of the struggle for the better society. He spoke before a large audience in the Amphitheater. "We should remember," he said, "that spirit that manifests itself among the dreamers of dreams, and that we should go on dreaming, making for better unity and the uplifting of mankind. The ancient slogan for this is: 'Without vision, the people perish,'" Dr. Vincent recalled the ancient days of Plato and the lifetime of Sir Thomas More as outstanding periods when a better society was the aim. In each instance, the speaker pointed out that a just society was based upon economic justice, the capacity to carry out commands and desire and passion - all in harmony with each other.

Nine boys from Jamestown High School left the county Thursday morning for Syracuse where they would attend sessions of the Boys State at the state fairgrounds under the sponsorship of the American Legion of New York state. They would have the aid and counsel of state officials in organizing and conducting their own "state" government. All the boys were sent by the American Legion posts in their home towns.

In 1964, Chautauqua Institution officials launched an ambitious Centennial Fund Campaign the previous night which raised over $464,000 toward the 10-year goal of $2.8 million. Donations received during the next 10-year period, culminating in 1974, Chautauqua's 100th year, would be used to improve and expand the physical assets of the Institution. The proposed plan for development of the 350-acre assembly ground included a new entrance and reception center, pedestrian walkways, improvements and enlargement of the amphitheater, new studios and practice areas for the arts, crafts, music and theater program, the renovation or replacement of old, outdated buildings, and additions to student and faculty housing.

Mayor Fred H. Dunn said he would renew a campaign for construction of a new Jamestown City Hall to replace the present 70-year-old building which he once labeled "a dilapidated old dump." He would ask the city Planning Commission "to take immediate leadership toward formulating plans for a new city hall." The mayor said he would seek the advice of representatives from business firms, retail merchants and industrial plants. "Jamestown is on the threshold of a population and industrial expansion - and we must face up to certain serious needs - including a new city hall, which has been too long overlooked or postponed," Mayor Dunn said.